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After Tom Brady announced his retirement in February, the fantasy outlook for each of the Buccaneers wideouts got considerably murkier. However, it only took the legendary signal-caller a little over a month to have a change of heart, with Brady announcing he would return for the 2022-23 campaign.
With Brady back under center in Tampa Bay, guys like Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette are expected to flourish once again from a fantasy standpoint, but what about Chris Godwin?
Under normal circumstances, yes, he would have the same level of expectations. Yet, since he tore his ACL late last season, fantasy managers are now left collectively scratching their heads.
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Chris Godwin In A Nutshell
Undoubtedly, Godwin has been a vital component of the Buccaneers' success over the years. Since debuting in 2017, all in Tampa, the 26-year-old has established himself as a critical piece of the team's offense, amassing 342 catches for 4,643 yards and 29 touchdowns.
He is a Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro, and was instrumental in helping Tampa Bay advance to (and win) Super Bowl LV. Godwin has also been a relatively reliable fantasy producer over the years, and he finished his best season in 2019 as the No. 2 wideout in standard and PPR formats. With a resume like that, it's no wonder why there is significant interest surrounding his comeback.
Where Is Chris Godwin In His Recovery Process?
Tampa Bay is hoping to have Godwin ready for the Week 1 encounter against the Cowboys in Dallas. The team is reportedly pleased with his rehab efforts up to this point. However, medical personnel and the coaching staff remain hesitant to provide an exact timetable for his return.
It's Super Bowl or bust for the Buccaneers, so it's conceivable Godwin will be held out for a significant portion of the season, including beginning the year on the PUP list, forcing him to miss at least the first six weeks. Considering the franchise signed him to a three-year, $60 million contract ($40 million guaranteed) in March, keeping Godwin healthy moving forward is a priority, even if it means being overly cautious. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he spends most or all of training camp in a non-contact red jersey.
Should I Draft Chris Godwin? What About Dynasty Leagues?
That's a question with multiple answers. For dynasty participants, Godwin has more than enough quality years on tap, so even if he misses six weeks (or more), he still has long-term upside. Additionally, those who have him on an existing dynasty roster and offered a trade shouldn't buy into an argument suggesting his value is lower due to the injury. While he may be hurt, he is anticipated to return to form during the regular season, so patience is crucial. Keep him unless the price is right.
The answer is much different in redraft formats (standard and PPR). It may not be wise to take him sooner than usual or even where pre-draft rankings have him listed, at least until there is a more precise picture surrounding his health. Godwin can be a difference-maker come playoff time. But it still may be best to wait until the starting lineup is addressed before adding him.
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